Publication Date
Spring 2025
College
Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business
Department
Media Studies
Student Level
Undergraduate
SPARK Category
Scholarship
Faculty Advisor
Mary Ellen Pethel
SPARK Session
10:15-11:45 Poster/ gallery session
Presentation Type
Gallery
Summary
This paper examines the life and legacy of Reverend Kelly Miller Smith, highlighting the pivotal role of local leadership in the Civil Rights Movement and questioning why figures like Smith are celebrated primarily within their communities rather than nationally. By analyzing Smith’s early life, education, activism, and involvement in events such as the Nashville sit-ins and the NAACP, this study underscores his significant impact. A comparison with John Lewis, a nationally recognized leader, explores the dynamics of civil rights leadership, focusing on the disparities between local and national recognition. The research advocates for a more inclusive perspective that equally values local contributors like Smith and national icons, offering a nuanced understanding of the movement's legacy.
Recommended Citation
Mastin, Kenneddia, "Kelly Miller Smith: The Role and Recognition of Local Leadership" (2025). SPARK Symposium Presentations. 144.
https://repository.belmont.edu/spark_presentations/144
